Simple way to keep your backpack in good shape over time

Backpacks are a familiar and indispensable item in everyday life, from students to working people. A good backpack is not only convenient for storing things but also contributes to expressing personal style. However, after a period of use, backpacks often lose shape, flatten, wrinkle, reducing the aesthetics and lifespan of the product. So how to keep the backpack's shape durable over time? This article Shondo Blog will share with you how to properly keep the backpack's shape and prolong the life of your backpack.

1. Why does the backpack lose its shape?

Before learning how to keep the shape of a backpack, we need to understand the causes of loss of shape. Understanding the causes will help you have more effective measures to prevent and preserve your backpack. Below are some common causes of backpack loss of shape:

• Backpack material: Each type of backpack material has different durability and shape retention. Backpacks made from parachute fabric and canvas are more likely to lose their shape than genuine leather backpacks. Backpacks made from poor quality materials are also prone to deformation and sagging after a period of use.
• Weight of belongings: Carrying items that are too heavy, exceeding the backpack's allowable load capacity, is the leading cause of backpacks losing their shape. The weight of the items presses on the seams and straps, causing the backpack to stretch and deform.
• How to arrange things: Arranging things haphazardly, unevenly, concentrating weight in one place also causes the backpack to lose balance, easily collapse, and lose shape.
• Environmental impacts: Sunlight, rain, high humidity... also affect the backpack material, causing the backpack to quickly fade, become brittle, and lose its shape.
• How to use and preserve: Improper habits of using backpacks, such as throwing them around, placing them in damp places, not cleaning them regularly... also contribute to the backpack quickly breaking down and losing its shape.
• Backpack life: After a long time of use, the backpack material will age, gradually lose elasticity, leading to loss of shape.

2. How to keep your backpack in shape effectively

Here are some effective ways to keep your backpack in shape that you can apply:

2.1. Use paper and old clothes to stuff your backpack.

This is the simplest and most economical way to keep your backpack in shape. When you are not using your backpack, you can use plastic bags, old newspapers, or crumpled or folded old clothes to stuff inside the backpack. This helps the backpack keep its shape and avoids sagging or deformation.

You should choose light, soft, breathable materials to avoid mold on the backpack. For backpacks with a laptop compartment, you can use foam or shockproof bags to fill the compartment, both keeping the backpack's shape and protecting the laptop.

2.2. Arrange items evenly, not too heavy

When using a backpack, pay attention to arranging your belongings neatly and distributing the weight evenly among the compartments. Avoid stuffing too many items or concentrating the weight in one place, causing imbalance and damaging the backpack's shape. Only bring necessary items and make sure the weight does not exceed the backpack's allowable load capacity.

2.3. Clean your backpack regularly

Regularly cleaning your backpack not only keeps it clean and fresh, but also helps preserve the material of the backpack, prolonging its lifespan. The frequency of cleaning depends on the frequency of use and the environment in which it is used.

On average, you should clean your backpack once every 1-2 months. When cleaning your backpack, be careful to use a detergent that is suitable for the material of the backpack, avoid using strong detergents or soaking the backpack in water for too long. After washing, dry the backpack in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.

2.4. Store your backpack properly

When not using the backpack for a long time, clean it, dry it and store it in a closet or in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight, mold and insects. You can add a few desiccant packs to the backpack to keep it dry.

Do not hang the backpack by the straps for long periods of time, as this can stretch the straps and affect the shape of the backpack.

3. How to keep the backpack in shape depending on the material

Each type of backpack material requires different ways of preservation. Here are some ways to keep the shape of your backpack depending on the material:

3.1. How to keep the shape of a fabric backpack

• Parachute fabric , canvas: These are popular materials, durable and easy to clean. You can wash the backpack in the washing machine on a gentle cycle or hand wash with mild soap. After washing, dry the backpack in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. When not in use, stuff the backpack with newspaper or old clothes to keep its shape.
• Canvas: Canvas backpacks are usually more sturdy than parachute fabric and canvas. However, canvas is susceptible to mold, so be careful to store the backpack in a dry, cool place. When cleaning, use a damp cloth to wipe off dirt, avoid soaking the backpack in water.

3.2. Tips to keep the shape of leather backpack

• Genuine leather: Genuine leather backpacks are durable, luxurious and keep their shape well. However, genuine leather is easily scratched and discolored if exposed to sunlight or chemicals. Use a specialized leather cleaning solution to clean the backpack. When not in use, store the backpack in a cloth bag or box, away from direct sunlight and high humidity. Use shoe polish periodically to maintain the leather.
• PU leather, imitation leather: PU leather and imitation leather backpacks are cheaper than genuine leather, but are less durable and easily peel off. Avoid contact with water and sunlight. When cleaning, use a damp cloth to wipe away dirt.

3.3. Tips to keep the shape of your laptop backpack

Laptop backpacks are often designed with many compartments and thick foam padding to protect the laptop. When in use, the laptop should be placed in a dedicated compartment and secured securely.

Avoid strong impacts to the laptop. When not in use, take the laptop out of the backpack and stuff it with newspaper or a shockproof bag to keep the shape of the backpack.

4. When should I replace my backpack?

Even though preservation measures have been applied, after a long period of use, the backpack will certainly wear out and deteriorate.

Here are some signs that you need a new backpack:

• Backpacks with torn, frayed, broken straps, or broken locks: These damages not only affect the aesthetics but also affect the functionality of the backpack.
• The backpack is discolored, faded, the material is brittle, and easily torn: This shows that the backpack material has aged and is no longer durable.
• The backpack has an unpleasant odor and cannot be cleaned properly: The odor can be caused by bacteria and mold that have accumulated over time, affecting your health.
• The backpack no longer holds its shape, is flattened, or deformed: This reduces the aesthetics and storage capacity of the backpack.
• Changing needs: If your needs change, such as needing a larger backpack or more compartments, then replacing your backpack is necessary.

Above are simple and effective ways to keep your backpack in shape , helping you preserve your beloved backpack to be as durable and beautiful as new. Apply these tips immediately to extend the life of your backpack and always be confident in your fashion style! Don't forget to visit Shondo to discover more useful information on how to choose, use and preserve backpacks as well as other fashion products.